Our image for today is of a green ‘carpenter gothic house’ dating from 1840 in New Haven, Connecticut. There’s something about this enduring style that draws the viewer in. It seems this appeal will be with us forever. We see signs of it coming back into fashion again.
A Short History of Board and Batten Siding
Board and batten siding was a neat solution in pioneering days, when folk covered their homes with broad planks, and needed a way to seal the gaps. You see in those days the timbers were rough cut, and inconsistent in thickness.
The pioneering solution was to abut the planks as close together as possible, and then nail a narrower, covering strip over the joint. The idea may have originated in timber homes in Norway and Sweden, but North Americans soon cottoned on because it created a spacious effect.
The general idea is back in fashion again, although machine-engineered wood ensures a precision finish nowadays. This may make the smaller homes building today seem a bit larger. What’s more, the fewer, wider planks may go up faster than regular siding, and that’s a potential saving not to ignore.
How Board and Batten Siding Works in Practice
We use either LP SmartSide, or James Hardie materials for our exterior applications. Both offer a range of subtle and brilliant colours, and the consistent quality makes our work a pleasure for ourselves and our customers.
They tell us they particularly appreciate the classic shadow lines, authenticity, and character of North America’s pioneering days. While also doing a superb job of weatherproofing their homes.
Our board and batten finishes are also flexible, within the range of standard board sizes. We can go as narrow as traditional siding plus the unique shadow effect. Or we can go broader, which works a treat on smaller, modern homes.
More Tangible Benefits of This Siding Style
Board and batten siding creates a simple, timeless effect on any home, new or old, large or small. It adds texture and character to large expanses, and finishes perfectly with contrasting tints around windows and doors. It can even go inside homes, where it delivers the impression of timeless craftsmanship.
Speak to Valiant Exteriors in Calgary if you have a new siding job in mind. We’ll happily quote for your job in various styles and materials. Our clients tell us we add a unique touch of quality to all our jobs. And why not? We live in Calgary and we have an interest in our local community.
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